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Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA
A diverse, welcoming community of open hearts and minds since 1948
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Todd Parola
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- Arlington, VA
- United States
- Blog Posts (26)
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- Photos (61)
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Todd Parola's Groups
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GREEN ACTION
13 members
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Immigration News and Dis…
19 members
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PAG: Partners for Arling…
25 members
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Recipe Book
5 members
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Social Justice News Group
37 members
Todd Parola's Discussions
Please join the UUCAVA Social Justice community this Saturday morning
We'll be gathering in room 13-15, at 8:45 ... (potluck breky!) Social Justice Community Meeting – Saturday, September 17 from 9 AM to noon Join the UUCA social justice community in Room 13-15 at UUCA…Continue
Started Sep 13, 2011
Todd Parola's Page
Latest Activity
Todd Parola commented on Unitarian Universalist Church's video
PART TWO OF TWO
As this church transitions, I think we have a beautiful opportunity to consider novel alternatives to the traditional clerical hierarchy whose organizational vestiges seem inevitable but are not. Which is to say maybe we don't…
Todd Parola commented on Unitarian Universalist Church's video
PART ONE OF TWO
I'm listening to this on the TED channel as I write. I don't think I need to hear him because I know where he's going just in the first few minutes, and concur. I think it's obvious. But I am an artist and…
US History Project-Glass-Steagall Act
Us History Project, Mr. S. George
Video posted by Todd Parola
11/15/11 SOPA Press Conference Panel: Part 1
Anti- SOPA Press conference organized by Public Knowledge, Demand Progress, Computer and Communications Industry Association, Americans for Job Security, Don...
Video posted by Todd Parola
Rhonda Buckner replied to the discussion 'What in heck is up with SOPA and PIPA?' in the group Social Justice News Group
I have not been following this issue, but Todd's writing caught my attention and interest. I wanted to quickly see what objective writing had been already written- and found this…
What in heck is up with SOPA and PIPA?
And how does the typical american make an intelligent decision about supporting or critiquing internet legislation?Today, if you're like me, you may have noticed many favorite websites such as Craigslist and Wikipedia are offline in a united strike formation to protest legislation proposed to regulate internet piracy. (Internet/intellectual property piracy generally refers to the unauthorized/unlicensed reuse of creative content online. For example the US film industry is very concerned about…See More
Todd Parola added a discussion to the group Social Justice News Group
Chris Hedges: "Hope" Speech
Chris Hedges speaks in Lafayette Park before getting arrested in front of the White House. An "On the Ground" segment for the entire demonstration will be po...
A video by Todd Parola was featured
Inequality in Wealth, the Corruption of the Democratic Process... ?
The Occupy and 99% movements have highlighted these fundamental grievances. How will we as a church community address the growing distortion of the democratic process in the USA? Come to a program on Growing Inequality in Wealth, the Corruption of the Democratic Process and Resulting Social Injustice Saturday, February 4 8:30am-12:30pm at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church 1909 Windmill Lane Alexandria, VA 22307. Featured speakers will include Kevin Zeese of the Occupy Movement and Aquene Freechild…See More
Todd Parola added a discussion to the group Social Justice News Group
All-UUCA Faith-in-Action Meeting Sat., Jan. 28
(9AM to noon, with in-gathering and lite breakfast starting at 8:45 AM) How will we join our justice work across ministries and programs in 2012-2013? What funding will be needed to support our efforts? All interested members and friends are urged to attend as we build on the work done at the Nov. 12 Faith in Action meeting. Specifically, we will consider the viability of a year-long project with a theatrical presentation of immigration stories as its focal point. This meeting represents the…See More
Blog post by Todd Parola
Laura Dely commented on the blog post 'Social Justice Budget Request Deadline January 8 -- Forms online now!'
Here's the link to the SJ Budget Request form.
Moya Marlene Atkinson commented on the blog post 'Mike Check: Occupy this?'
Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for your comment. In this response, I can't comment on the need for custodians to earn the County's Living Wage, but I'm very glad to comment on the Occupy Movement.
There are two events coming up on the…
Laura Dely commented on the blog post 'Mike Check: Occupy this?'
Occupy highlghts the broad strokes of economic inequality that permeates our country today. It is exciting to see the enthusiatic response to their cries of "We are the 99%!" There have been reports, editorials, documentaries about…
Social Justice Budget Request Deadline January 8 -- Forms online now!
Dear UUCA Social Justice community, Deadline for Social Justice program fund applications is Jan 8, 2012.The Budget Request Information & Work Sheet Form are available:1) Under the Social Justice drop down menu on the church website "12-13 Social Justice Budget Request"2) On the main Social Justice page on the church website (look for the blue title under Rev. C's video in the right hand column).3) We have also created a sub-page to the Social Justice Newsgroup, called Social Justice…See More
Blog post by Todd Parola
Mike Check: Occupy this?
Wherefore Occupy? Are you sick of living in a corpacracy? The disproportionate distribution of wealth?Is Occupy a visionary re-imagining of American democracy?Is it a silly "pie in the sky" utopian dream?Is Occupy pragmatic? And what are you willing to do to educate and promote change and participation?Members of our church have enthusiastically embraced the sensibility of Occupy, but what is the long term promise; the intellectual and political responsibility of the friends of Occupy?What does…See More
Blog post by Todd Parola
Profile Information
- How long have you attended UUCAVA?
- 1999
- What does multiculturalism mean to you?
- For those of us raised in somewhat outside-the mainstream, Multiculturalism may simply be a description of what the world empirically "is."
Or it might be considered a state of Liberal theoretical conscience,employing measures of affirmative corrective action, promoted among individuals and institutions as a means of redressing the legacies (deeply embedded institutionalized racism and injustice) of subjugation and attempted genocide visited upon indigenous cultures by the expansion of European power across the globe.
All life, culture is sacred. But it is a mistake to pretend that multiculturalism is a moral and qualitative leveler of experience. It should not be construed to say that "one experience is just as good as another." This is Not true. There are myriad cultural experiences that are not moral equals. So it is better that we should understand "multiculturalism" as a mentality demanded by a 21st C American conscience that admits to and seeks correction for the ills brought by the global impact of American and European dominance.
So it is best that we use it as a reminder of the vast variety of unknown human experience that begs not only for the validation that is offered by UU principles, but also the critique; not mistaken for a warm and fuzzy essentialist blanket that ameliorates difference, but applies as a corrective lens of generous inquiry and understanding with justice at heart.
- What religion or spiritual practices did you grow up with?
- Wagner, Rogers and Hart/Hammerstein, Shakespeare, cheesy "Hawaiian" songs
- Tell us a little about yourself/your family/your interests:
- I'm a multi-ethnic dog: Chinese, Hawaiian, Italian. My (professionally academic) parents, though relatively recently converted to UU, were strident secular humanists that planted and nurtured my contempt for organized religion.
Professionally, I am a photographer trained in painting, with a MFA from the University of Illinois, Chicago. Both my studies and professional life have brought me into critical dialogue on matters of multiculturalism.
My graduate studies introduced me to a variety of thinkers in the post-structuralist, critical theory vein. These include, among others, Michel Foucault, Julia Kristeva, and specifically on post colonial theory I have read Homi Bha Bha and Edward Said.
On matters more focussed on american race and civil rights issues, I have read Cornel West, bell hooks, Ronald Takaki, Lani Guinier.
This is a tiny list of thinkers, (and I do not suppose that my introduction to them constitutes great authority of any kind - rather, I consider myself humble and circumspect to the dialogue).
Working for the Chicago Artists' Coalition in the early 90's I produced a conference for non-profit organizations entitled "Who Gets the Money: Funding Cultural Diversity in Chicago." This was attended by local, state, and private foundation professionals, as well as staffers from both human service and cultural non-profits in the area.
As president of the pan-asian DestinAsian arts group, I attended and received a diploma from the MacArthur Foundation's Curriculum on Collaboration (which was in many ways an answer to many of the questions that arose from the conference that I had produced a year earlier). The Curriculum sought to teach relationship-building across race and socio-economic lines and organizational missions, to promote dialogue and a more efficient and holistic integration of cultural and human service programming around the city.
RICE MATTERS - A project that captured the imagination of many, but which was never launched, considered the staple rice and it's impact on latin and asian identities as a cultural nexus. I would love to refashion this for Arlington's latin and asian communities.
Spiritually? As I mention, I have been categorically hostile to organized religion which I believe co-opts religio-esthetic experience and calls that grace/awe/sublime experience, a divine servant of it's own particular institutional identity.
My own religious sensibilities oscillate between both quietism and ecstatic states that I have explored through some years of buddhist practice; rock and jazz music; and psychedelic experimentation. I think esthetics actually unifies and best describes the phenomenon that I experience as "spiritual."
James's "Varieties of Religious Experience" is a huge spiritual and intellectual touchstone for me, as is Chogyam Trungpa's "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism," and I think these are both critical texts for Unitarians as we consider theological as well as ethnic diversity.
I am very circumspect about extended multicultural debate in our church for it reveals perhaps as much about our own narcissism as it does about our desire to serve. I think the phenomenon of institutionalized narcissism (not to be confused with self-criticism and healthy expressions of self worth) is a common and insidious underlayment to mission work, and as such is a profound defect of organized religion that should be avoided.
Political and social justice activity can happen anywhere - not just in churches. So In addition to dedicated social action, I imagine a church as a place of grace and sanctuary. These are ultimately the most common threads that all cultures can practice gently together.
- Why are you a Unitarian Universalist?
- I believe that free people have the responsibility and power to enact communal love, justice, forgiveness, grace, intellectual rigor and charity in their communities and that the State should be the authority and justice broker of last resort.
Given it's liberal history of inquiry into spiritual and intellectual experience and the relationship of those themes to social justice, the Unitarian Universalist church therefore may promise a uniquely fertile ground for this aspiration as it bridges the most longed for in the intersection of the spiritual, social action/justice, sexual freedom and the search for community and joy.
It follows that I am specifically interested in church social justice activities because of my (admittedly dreamy) hope that UU practice can positively influence our country's pathologically dis-functional politics, bringing into the vacuum of civility, empiricism, and reason, a restoration of faith and trust in open minded critical conversation.
Todd Parola's Photos
Todd Parola's Videos
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Space Cats
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Todd Parola's Blog
Social Justice Theme Identification Report Now Available
Follow the link!
Social Justice Theme Identification Report and Recommendation
Posted on January 28, 2012 at 10:00am
All-UUCA Faith-in-Action Meeting Sat., Jan. 28
(9AM to noon, with in-gathering and lite breakfast starting at 8:45 AM)
How will we join our justice work across ministries and programs in 2012-2013? What funding will be needed to support our efforts? All interested members and friends are urged to attend as we build on the work done at the Nov. 12…
ContinuePosted on January 8, 2012 at 6:30pm — 1 Comment
Social Justice Budget Request Deadline January 8 -- Forms online now!
Dear UUCA Social Justice community,
Deadline for Social Justice program fund applications is Jan 8, 2012.
The Budget Request Information & Work Sheet Form are available:
1) Under the Social Justice drop down menu on the church website "12-13 Social Justice Budget Request"
2) On the main Social Justice page on the church website (look for the blue title under Rev. C's video in the right hand column).
3) We have also created a sub-page to the…
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 3:51pm — 1 Comment
Mike Check: Occupy this?
Wherefore Occupy?
Are you sick of living in a corpacracy? The disproportionate distribution of wealth?
Is Occupy a visionary re-imagining of American democracy?
Is it a silly "pie in the sky" utopian dream?
Is Occupy pragmatic?
And what are you willing to do to educate and promote change and participation?
Members of our church have enthusiastically embraced the sensibility of Occupy, but what is the long term promise; the…
Continue Posted on December 15, 2011 at 11:19am — 2 Comments
Comment Wall (8 comments)
Hi! You need to be a member of Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA to add comments. Are you a member of UUCAVA? Get registration credentials from Sarah Masters. Not a member of UUCAVA? Come visit us at our church.
- At 6:33pm on March 5, 2010,
jill herndon said… - Good to have you in the VOICE group online.
- At 7:16pm on November 15, 2009,
Elizabeth Fogarty said… - I'd love to have them on the UUCA website! If it's not too time-consuming, would you mind sending them also to volunteer4afac@aol.com? If that's a bother, I'll just let the folks at AFAC know to look for them on our website. Thanks so much!
- At 5:14pm on November 12, 2009,
Elizabeth Fogarty said…
- Thanks!
- At 4:06pm on November 12, 2009,
Elizabeth Fogarty said…
- Hi Todd,
I think you are taking photos at church these days? We're having a Volunteer Fair for the Arlington Food Assistance Center in the fellowship hall after each service on Sunday. If you are planning to be there on Sunday, would you mind taking a couple photos of the set up?
- At 9:40pm on November 8, 2009,
Rev. Mary McKinnon Ganz said… - Todd, what beautiful pictures you took of today's service! Your shots of the dancers, capturing the light in the Sanctuary, are stunning. And thank you for capturing those moments with the Stone and the children. Priceless!
- At 9:08am on October 21, 2009,
Barbara Johnson said… - Hi Todd, Thanks for being my friend! I look forward to more - best, Barbara
- At 10:42am on September 14, 2009,
Unitarian Universalist Church said… - Hi Todd! Welcome to the UUCA Beloved Community online. Now we can participate anytime and from anywhere in church life. Our shared journey of spiritual growth, lifelong learning and pursuit of social justice now continues in discussion boards, blogs, uploaded photos, videos and other social ways here. To help you get started, please read the Getting Started blog post.
We are asking that if you intend to upload an image to represent you as a portrait icon on the site, that you use a photo that is clearly of you to reinforce our church's relational culture. We'd like to recognize each other online and offline! You upload the photo of you from your Settings page.
Please don't hesitate to send questions to the UUCA administrator, or leave questions on the Comment Wall of UUCA's Page. Soon we will have short movie how-tos for use of this site. Feel free to leave this Welcome note right where it is. It may help you in the future!
It's great to see you online!
Can I get an "Amen?" :)
- At 11:16pm on September 13, 2009,
Unitarian Universalist Church said…
- Hi....tx! Your photos are making a huge difference.......so glad we met today. Best, June
Discussions
Precious Lord, Expression and Belonging 5 Replies
Started by Barbara Johnson. Last reply by Rev. Carlton Elliott Smith Jan 28.
Blog Posts
Is "Great Decisions" Over?
Posted by Derek Singer on February 3, 2012 at 4:45pm
Marriage Equality Needs YOUR VOICE
Posted by Rhonda Buckner on January 28, 2012 at 5:52pm — 3 Comments
Reflections from a New Grandmother
Posted by Rev. Linda Olson Peebles on January 24, 2012 at 2:32pm — 7 Comments
Immigration Class & Film Series
Posted by Marilyn Baker on January 21, 2012 at 3:30pm
On Feb. 18: Deepening Connections
Posted by Sue Browning on January 22, 2012 at 5:00pm — 2 Comments
A Common Meditation for January
Posted by Rev. Michael McGee on January 21, 2012 at 6:00pm
Crisis for VA Families
Posted by Rev. Linda Olson Peebles on January 17, 2012 at 4:57pm
A Power So Great
Posted by Cynthia Adcock on January 18, 2012 at 12:43pm
Learn much more about Immigration; get ready for GA
Posted by Jacomina de Regt on January 13, 2012 at 8:17pm — 1 Comment
On Replacing Michael
Posted by Roger E. Soles on January 1, 2012 at 7:42pm — 5 Comments
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